Don’t forget to take into account shipping and handling costs. Many stores will give free shipping over a certain amount, so you may wish to consolidate your gift shopping to take advantage of this. By buying out of state, you are saving sales taxes, so this can offset cost of shipping.

Don’t forget to order in advance so that there is adequate delivery time and to avoid having to pay for expensive over-night shipping. You can have gift sent directly to recipient if you are not able to deliver it in person. Don’t forget to mention this when you order, so that they do not send invoice or credit card slip to recipient.

Most online stores will be happy to gift wrap your gift for you, to save you time and effort. If this is not listed as a service, just ask. Most gift stores will always be happy to go extra mile for you.

Look for a secure website when purchasing online. Once you have chosen your goods and you have chosen to “check out” you should be taken to a secure website. You can tell that site is secure as URL will start with “https” instead of “http”. This means that your credit card information is safe and will not be compromised. If you are still not convinced, many online gift stores will let you submit your order online and then will call you to obtain your credit card details or allow you to send them by fax.

Once you have placed your order, it is preferable to print out a record of order, of if this is not possible then save information on your computer in a folder labeled "shopping". This will help you follow up if your order does not arrive and you need to follow up with store.

Hopefully I have convinced you of merits of online gift shopping and now all that remains is to wish you a Happy and Safe Shopping Experience.

Pack items you will need first night in separate boxes and label them so you can get to these things right away without having to go through 20 boxes trying to find things when you’re already exhausted.

Make sure beds get set up, and other heavy items are in place. Other things can be moved around later.

Old fashioned as it may be – let guys worry about furniture. Take girls and let them help you get cabinets and drawers washed out and your kitchen set up. Then, once truck is empty - everyone can easily sit down, relax, and have some pizza and beer and conversation.

If you packed well, clothes can go right in drawers. The sheets and towels can go right into linen closet. Hanging clothes can go right into closets. Depending on how ambitious you are, entertainment center can be set up and books put in bookcases.

Take a break - rest can wait for a little while…… Rome wasn't built in a day. ----------------------------------------------------------------

Carole can show you how to keep that new home really clean right from start. Get your copy of Secret Confessions of a Clean Freak and find out how you can easily keep your new castle gleaming. http://CleanFreak.CommonSenseLiving.com